Pages

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Free Verse and Prose Poetry (Poetry-Writing Series Part 4 of 6)

Free Verse Poetry

Oftentimes free verse poetry is also referred to as blank verse poetry. Really, what this means is that the poem is free of rhyme, meter, and any type of metric measure or form (acrostic, haiku, etc). Free verse poetry allows for writing free-form and doesn't require rules or the concentration of word selection (calculating meter or syllables). Yet, free verse poetry does still adhere to lines, line breaks, and stanza but these elements are left to the discretion of the writer.

However, when creating free-verse poetry, poets must still adhere to a certain degree of self-discipline to carefully select word choices, line length, sounds and descriptions that will effectively tell the story or beautify an experience being conveyed within a given poem.

Most poets prefer free verse for the freedom to create without boundaries. Worrying about strict rules, guidelines and limited word selection can have a dire effect on one's ability to create. It's easy to get so caught up in technicalities and form that you forget, or lose inspiration, for the initial subject matter.

Many professional poets prefer to write in free verse because they feel that formed and metric poetry simply is outdated. I personally prefer free verse for it's allowance of uninhibited spontaneity. I have always struggled with the ability to maintain a creative flow while worrying about a set of rigid rules. I believe the creative notion suffers when rules are applied, specifically rules of metric and rhyme.

Though I do believe a poem can still be made musically beautiful, can still emit sound and rhyme, even without a structured form.

Prose Poetry

Prose poetry and free verse poetry are very much alike. Both forms offer a broad freedom of expression, and neither require form or measurement.

I have always considered prose to be poetry in paragraph form. Prose usually demonstrates flowery, poetic language written in proper sentence (and paragraph) structure. Prose-writing lacks the formality of poetry (lines, form, metric, etc) and reads much like common language or a direct flow of speech.

However, if you are familiar with poetry or poetic journals, you usually will find pieces of prose that was written by poets. A prose poem really merely is a piece of poetically decorated writing in paragraph form; full of description or the depiction of an event, memory, train of thought that is received much the same as a piece of free verse poetry would be.

Professionals have referred to free verse as verse poetry and prose as speech, yet when these two elements are combined, the term prose poetry is born.

As a poet and writer, myself, I believe that if you can write free verse poetry and have the common knowledge of sentence structure and basic writing, then you are well-equipped to write prose poetry.

If you are a writer whom writes short stories or novels, perhaps prose poetry will be less challenging for you than free verse poetry. However, if you are new at writing poetry, I would recommend that you begin learning to write with free verse simply because it will not stifle your original ideas and inspiration the way I feel metric and form poetry does.

Translate

Our MIssion

Muse: A Collection of Prompts for Creative Writing

If you enjoy the prompt-writing posts on this site, or if you are merely looking for some writing inspiration, look no further! Written by seasoned poet, Stacy Lynn Mar, this little book is sure to get your creative wheels spinning! This collection of creative writing prompts includes fourteen chapters, each with a unique form of writing prompt. And each chapter has up to literally hundreds of prompts. If you used one prompt per day, this book has enough prompts to last up to four years! Purchase the ebook for a mere $4 by clicking the cover photo! The second edition print copy is coming soon!

"WEEKLY SCHEDULE"

We are not an interactive writing community. Rather, we are a zine that simply offers writing prompts for your inspiration. We do not do comments or link ups. But please enjoy our weekly prompts nonetheless.

Other Weekly Posts: Vary from writing help to creative exploration. Posted at intervals throughout any given week. Check back often for new & helpful material!

Monthly Inspirational Almanac: During the first week of every month we'll post a collection of interesting facts, quotes, and writing prompts to creatively inspire your month.

"PUBLICATIONS"

We publish quality material if and when we receive submissions worthy of publication.

WE NO LONGER ACCEPT MANUSCRIPTS NOR PUBLISH BOOKS!! However, you can still find previously published books at the 'books for purchase' link.

Newly Listed at Duotrope!

Notable Credits:

The picture depicted is an illustration of Jennifer Cox (whom has given her permission for use).

I offer a huge 'thank you' to both of these ladies for their wonderful work and generosity!

Now Listed at 'The Poetry Kit'

An excellent online resource for poets.

Copyright Disclaimer!

Many of the images accompanying my writing prompts and articles were derived from a google search. I do not claim to own any of these images. However, if you find that I have used your image and you want it removed, please email me directly and I will see that it is taken down immediately: pink.celestial.dreams@gmail.com

Please Share our Banner!

If you've had your work published with us, or even if you just enjoy reading the publications of Pink.Girl.Ink. we'd love to have our banner on your pages/blogs.